What is an Arcane Focus in DnD 5e? (Updated for 2024)

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An Arcane Focus is a critical item in a DnD 5e spellcasters’ tool kit, reducing the need for costly material components and channeling powerful arcane energies in order to cast spells. These simple items can encompass everything from a Warlock’s wand to a Wizard’s staff and Sorcerer’s crystal ball.

Yet, despite their importance in the core DnD 5e rules, the concept of an Arcane Focus is often more complicated than it might seem, with questions frequently arising about about how they work, how they interact with spell components and which classes can use them. This is especially true given the new 2024 Player’s Handbook, which has made a number of subtle changes to how these magical conduits work in addition to introducing a number of new DnD spells.

So just what is an Arcane Focus in the new DnD 5e rules? Below, we dig through our spell book and components pouch to find the answer.

How Does an Arcane Focus Work in DnD 5e?

In the 2024 DnD 5e rules, an Arcane Focus is a special item that allows a Sorcerer, Warlock or Wizard to channel magical energy, eliminating the need to use material components that have an associated cost. The official DnD 5e rules note that an Arcane Focus can be “an orb, a crystal, a rod, a specially constructed staff, a wand-like length of wood, or some similar item.” This latter wording of “some similar item” is somewhat problematic, as it’s hard to say what qualifies as “similar” and is ultimately up to the Dungeon Master’s discretion.

The idea behind the Arcane Focus rule, however, is clear. It’s about simplify the spellcasting process, allowing you as the player to concentrate more on the narrative and tactical aspects of the game rather than managing an inventory of spell components.

To use an Arcane Focus, the item must be held in your character’s hand when they are attempting to cast a spell. Additionally, you must be proficient with the item. For example, if you are using a staff as your Arcane Focus, you need proficiency in a staff.

As noted above, Arcane Focus can only be used if the material component listed in the spell description does not have a cost associated with it. For example the Minor Illusion spell requires a “bit of fleece” as a material component, which has no cost listed (presumably because it’s easy to come by). Conversely, for the Astral Projection spell you must provide “one jacinth (a type of gem) worth at least 1,000 gp and one ornately carved bar of silver worth at least 100 gp.” Because of this associated cost, you can not use an Arcane Focus to cast the spell.

Notably, an Arcane Focus only replaces material components. Any verbal or somatic elements are still required. For the latter, this means that in certain instances you would need to have both hands free in order to hold your Arcane Focus and make the necessary gestures to cast the spell.

What Classes Can Use an Arcane Focus?

In the current 2024 DnD 5e rules only the following three classes can use an Arcane Focus:

• Sorcerers: Use an Arcane Focus to channel their innate magical abilities.
• Warlocks: Uses an Arcane Focus to tap into the powers granted by their otherworldly Patrons.
• Wizards: Use an Arcane Focus to augment their magical knowledge and prepared spells.

It’s also important to note that other spellcasters do have “focuses,” they are just not Arcane focuses. Bards for example, can use musical instruments as a focus. Similarly, Clerics and Paladins can use a holy symbol as a focus. Druids, also use what’s known as a “Druidic Focus, which functions in much the same way (see “Can Druids use an Arcane Focus” below). None of these items, however, fall under the specific rules that make up the Arcane Focus feature.

Notably, in the new 2024 DnD 5e rules, there are also certain subclasses that can also now use an Arcane Focus. This includes the new 2024 Eldritch Knight Fighter subclass, as well as the Arcane Trickster Rogue subclass. These, however, are rare exceptions.

Can Multiclasses Use Arcane Focus?

Yes, in the new 2024 DnD 5e rules, multiclass characters can use an Arcane Focus if they have levels as a Sorcerer, Warlock or Wizard. Using the focus, however, applies only to the spells of the relevant class. For example, a Warlock/Bard would use an Arcane Focus for Warlock spells and a musical instrument for Bard spells.

Additionally, as a multiclass character you can use an Arcane Focus if you have adopted one of the new 2024 subclasses. For example a Fighter-Cleric that uses the Eldritch Knight subclass would be allowed to use an Arcane Focus only when casting Wizard spells (which are the only type of spells Eldritch Knights can cast). Similarly, a Rogue-Bard would be able to use an Arcane Focus if they had the Arcane Trickster subclass when casting a Wizard spell (which is also the only type of magic that the Arcane Trickster subclass can use).

Can Druids use an Arcane Focus?

No, Druids cannot use an Arcane Focus. Instead, they use a separate feature known as Druidic Focus. While this serves a similar function as an Arcane Focus it is tailored specifically to the Druid class and their unique connection to nature.

A Druidic Focus can consist of a variety of items, such as a sprig of mistletoe or holly, a wand or scepter made of yew or another special wood, a staff drawn whole out of a living tree or a totem object incorporating feathers, fur, bones, and teeth from sacred animals.

While these items function identically to an Arcane Focus, they apply only to Druids. From a rules perspective this means the two types of foci are not interchangeable.

Can a Magic Item be Used as an Arcane Focus?

And while there is some debate among players (and no official clarification from Wizards of the Coast) it is generally agreed upon that a magic item can be an Arcane Focus as long as it is “similar” to an orb, a crystal, a rod, a specially constructed staff or a wand-like length of wood. The character must also be proficient in its use and their class or subclass must have access to Arcane Focus.

For example, a Staff of Power could be used as an Arcane Focus given that it is “similar” to the types of items Wizards of the Coasts lists in their description of what an Arcane Focus is. Ultimately, however, the choice should be left entirely to the Dungeon Master’s discretion.

Examples of an Arcane Focus in DnD 5e

Below are a few examples of Arcane Focuses for each of the three primary classes (again, be sure to consult with your DM before declaring what your Arcane Focus is):

Sorcerer

• Crystal Orb: Flawlessly crafted and glowing with inner light.
• Wand of Wood: A simple, carved wand made from a tree sacred to sorcerers.
• Staff of Power: A wooden staff etched with ancient runes.
• Dragon Scale Amulet: An amulet crafted from the scales of a dragon.

Warlock

• Eldritch Rod: An adamantine rod inscribed with arcane sigils.
• Cursed Skull: A skull that whispers secrets from the beyond.
• Infernal Talisman: A talisman taken from the depths of the Abyss.
• Fey Crystal: A polished shard found only in the heart of the Feywild.

Wizard

• Arcane Tome: Some DM’s may also allow Wizards to use their spellbook as a focus.
• Bronze Medallion: An ancient token that once belonged to a powerful mage.
• Enchanted Ring: A ring inscribed with forgotten words of power.
• Wand of Lore: A wooden wand passed down by the Wizard’s mentor.

Final Thoughts

An Arcane Focus is an essential tool for spellcasters in DnD 5e, but it’s also one that’s more complicated than it might seem at first glance. By understanding how an Arcane Focus works, however, you can not only add a unique bit of customization to your character, but can also speed up spellcasting and immerse yourself more fully in the game. And in the end, that’s the only kind of focus that truly matters.

You can find the new rules that govern Arcane Focus in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, which is available for order now on D&D Beyond and Amazon.

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